The coach of Jon Jones has further fueled retirement speculation ahead of the UFC heavyweight champion's title defense this month.
Jones is less than two weeks out from putting his gold on the line for the very first time 20 months on from winning it at the expense of Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
The delay in his clash with Stipe Miocic has been down to the injury "Bones" sustained weeks out from their scheduled battle at Madison Square Garden last November. A year later, the pair of UFC greats will give their matchup another go.
The decision to do so has received heavy scrutiny given the presence of an interim titleholder in Tom Aspinall. Jones has been heavily berated for avoiding a unification fight, and even if he emerges from UFC 309 next weekend with the title still in his possession, many are expecting him to continue to do so.
Jones has hinted at retiring following the Miocic fight numerous times this year. And while UFC CEO Dana White has suggested the Rochester native would continue as an active competitor to face the deserving next in line, the latest remarks out of his coach aren't encouraging.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Brandon Gibson looked ahead to his man's next assignment inside the Octagon, which headlines UFC 309 in New York City on Nov. 16.
On the topic of retirement, Gibson noted that he would fully back Jones should he decide to hang up his gloves, even going as far as to say he's "ready" to see the former light heavyweight kingpin do so.
And with that in mind, the trainer has been approaching their latest camp as if it's the final one.
Whenever Jon’s ready (to retire), I’m right there with him. I’m approaching this one like it’s our last go, it’s our last rodeo," Gibson said. "I think physically, mentally, he could go in there and have five or six more great performances. There’s nothing left for Jon to prove. I think he really wants this fight with Stipe. I think this fight will help solidify Jon’s status as that great heavyweight champion but it’s not something we talk about every night at the gym.
We’re definitely all eyes on Nov. 16. But each time I go to a practice, I’m approaching it as this is my last camp. I’m giving it my all," Gibson continued. "If we get one more after this, if we get two more, that would be a great blessing. I’m also ready to see Jon hang it up. Put the belt up. I’d prefer them to walk away obviously earlier than later. Out of all the fighters, Jon deserves to walk away any time he wants. I’m always going to support those guys.
It remains to be seen whether Jones would following a triumph in MSG with a retirement, closing out his heavyweight stint with wins over Gane and Miocic.
But before even contemplating that, "Bones" must first get the better of a former champion widely branded the division's greatest of all time. While he's been widely counted out owing to his age and inactivity, Miocic plans on shocking the world come fight night in "The Big Apple."
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